PURPOSE OF PROGRAM

The Industrial and Farm Mechanics program at Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center offers a challenging opportunity for young men and women interested in learning how to work safely in an industrial setting, complete complex tasks with basic problem-solving methods, and make a good living doing something they like.

There is an overwhelming demand for welders, operators, mechanics, and technicians. With this demand comes an equivalent pay scale – skilled tradesman currently have the potential to make far more than their peers attending a four-year college – without the student loans! The Industrial and Farm Mechanics program provides a solid foundation to pursue any one of the above listed careers.

Students in this program will develop skills in: hand tools identification and application, internal-combustion engine theory, steel cutting methods, steel shaping methods, steel joining methods, professional workplace conduct, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and precision machining. Production systems ranging from forestry to mining to farming are looked at in detail. Program participants are allowed to put extra effort into related topics they may have personal interest in.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

People who work in the industrial/farm mechanics field apply knowledge of engineering, hydraulic, pneumatics, electronics, power, structures and controls. They maintain factories, drinking water systems, power lines, plant machinery and heavy equipment. There is not any consumer good in your home that has not gotten there in part due to someone with mechanical expertise.

Demand for individuals in the power, structural and mechanical field is expected to continue for at least the next two decades. Increasing demand for agricultural products, continued efforts for more efficient agricultural production and increasing emphasis on the conservation of resources should result in good opportunities in the coming years.

SAMPLE OCCUPATIONS

Agricultural Engineer

Fabrication Specialist

Equipment Parts Manager

Forest Worker/Logger

Machinist

Welder

Iron Worker

Heavy Equipment Technician

Diesel Mechanic

Equipment Support Specialist

Industrial and Farm Mechanics I teaches skills to maintain, repair, and overhaul industrial equipment and farm machinery. The fabrication of specialty equipment is also performed quite regularly. Students will evaluate all components of a machine, ranging from electronics to hydraulics to structural components. Though they may not yet possess the skills to correct a malfunction, students will learn how to diagnose machinery to determine whether or not it is operating properly. Some of the skills learned will be welding, metal cutting, metal shaping, small engine repair, project estimation, some automotive repair like brake systems, and oil changes.

Industrial and Farm Mechanics II reinforces the fundamental skills learned in Farm Mechanics I and includes the installation and/or repair of wiring systems and other electronic systems found on large farm and forest harvesting equipment. A focus on hydraulic systems will also play a large role in the program. Hands-on operation of heavy equipment also gives students a chance to better understand the equipment they work on.

The best way to understand what happens in the program is to hear from two former students:

“In Farm Mechanics you just won’t be working on “farm” equipment. You will learn how to weld properly, how to work on electrical problems dealing with the engine, brakes, and lighting. As a student, I loved learning things that in the mechanical world you wouldn’t think of. Another reason the class is amazing is if you have a fascination in welding or small engines, the instructor will allow you to do more of it if you want to.” Bryan

“We get to take engines apart, and put them back together. We learn about the parts of an engine, and how it runs. We all get to have fun with the welders, and all the tools in the tool room. As you learn about Farm Mechanics and prepare yourself for some hands on knowledge, you find out things you never knew or may already know. You will get to learn how every tool works, how to do something, or use a tool or a machine in the shop. You get to build things from scratch, like a tractor cab and basic things you never knew you could replace. As you progress in class, you get to work with bigger machines and learn a little bit about them, such as an excavator, bulldozer, snowmobiles, four-wheelers, tractors, and many more of the everyday equipment.” Paul